FLOR 404,Coinvine (Dalbergia ecastaphyllum), FLOR500, Florida, Wildflower, Art, Nature, History, Eco-art, FIU, VIVA Florida, Garden, Artists, Engaged Creativity, Environment, participatory art,
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013.

As a result of growing up in Florida and loving nature, I never quite seem to get all the dirt from under my finger nails, twigs & leaves out of my hair, or scrapes in my arms & legs to completely go away. My major goal in life is to keep exploring the natural world and to piece together a puzzle of ever-evolving perceptions & feelings through a record of art. .

Artist's Statement

Influenced by Sigmund Freud's exploration in the realms of the conscious & unconscious mind. My work, as a culmination of influences such as the natural world, relationship roles, & individual perception of reality, allows me to explore the interior microcosms of life's collaborative collage. Nude figures with animal heads are used to expose raw feelings and create interpretations of personality.

Five hundred Florida artists are sought to create art for FLOR500, a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013. For more information click here.